Common Signs of Plumbing Leaks

The natural enemy of the modern plumbing system is the water leak. Water leaks, even those that some may consider “minor,” can do very serious damage to one’s home, and can also waste substantial amounts of water in the process. That is precisely why you need to hire professionals to pinpoint the source of a leak in your plumbing system as soon as you have reason to suspect that there is a problem.

Of course, before you can dial our number to schedule professional leak detection in Davis Island, FL, you must first learn to recognize that you may have a leak to begin with. Following are a few tips to help you do so. If you believe that you see a sign of trouble with your plumbing system, dial our number right away to have that problem expertly resolved.

• The sound of running water without a source is a strong indicator that you have a leak in your plumbing system. It could even be a slab leak beneath the concrete foundation of your home. If you are certain that you’ve not accidentally left any plumbing fixtures in your home running, and that your washing machine isn’t just finishing up a load of laundry, it is very possible that this sound of running water is coming from a leak in your plumbing system. We can find the exact source of the leak in order to repair it properly.
• Signs of water damage or staining also indicate that there is a leak in your plumbing system. Have you noticed a section of your ceiling seeming to sag? This could be due to water from a leak pooling in that area. If you notice these warning signs, your home is already suffering damage due to leaks. Let our plumbers intervene before more serious damage is done.
• Increased water bills may be the most clear indicator of a water leak. Now, there is bound to be some fluctuation in terms of your water bills from one payment period to the next. If you notice a substantial spike, though, and have not been using water any different than usual, then you must contact us to get to the root of the problem.

Call today 941-322-1911 and find out why our customers say, I Love My Plumber! Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air is always here to serve.

We Recommend the Halo 5 Water Filtration System

When you want a cool drink of water, do you resort to expensive, wasteful plastic bottles? When you wash your laundry, does hard water impede the process? There are a number of different problems that you may encounter with your water quality. Fortunately for you, there is a water treatment system available that can resolve just about all of them.

Using a HALO 5 water system is a great way to vastly improve the quality of the water coming from taps in your house. From using it as your water softener in Sarasota to targeting pollutants that may negatively affect taste, the HALO 5 maintenance free whole-house filtration & conditioning system can handle the job. Contact us today to schedule your HALO 5 Water Conditioning System installation!

Why Choose the HALO 5 Water System?

Because it’s a comprehensive system for home water treatment in Sarasota, FL! There are a lot of good water filtration systems on the market. There are also many good choices for water softeners in Sarasota, FL. Why not tackle multiple problems with just one system, though? That is what the HALO 5 system allows you to do, thanks to its 5 stage operation.

• Stage 1 is the granular activated carbon. This NSF certified, acid washed GAC will remove chlorine, gases, dyes, fuels, heavy metals, pesticides, and more.
• Stage 2 is the Centaur® high activity carbon. The Centaur® HAC reduces chlorine in the water, which helps to improve taste and odors. It also will balance pH levels.
• Stage 3 is the Filter-Ag Plus®. This all-natural media is environmentally safe, and boasts a large surface area with a micro-porous structure. This will remove water turbidity, filtering out suspended matter down to a 5 micron or less range.
• Stage 4 is the high density garnet filter media. This is a high hardness and high density granular filtration media, effectively filtering down to the 10-20 micron range.
• Stage 5, the final stage, is the HALO ION Inline Water Conditioner. This water conditioner multi-reversing poarity permanent magnetic fields in order to alter the molecular structure of dissolved calcium and magnesium ions. This is an innovative way in which to prevent issues with hard water.

If you have any questions about this system, or want to schedule a water treatement installation, contact our Sarasota plumbers. Call 941-322-1911 today and find out why Wimpy’s Plumbing customers say, I Love My Plumber!

How Does a Reverse Osmosis System Work?

Are you completely satisfied with the overall quality of the water coming from the taps in your home? If not, we strongly recommend that you give our water treatments system specialists a call. We’ll figure out precisely what is wrong with your water, and we’ll help you to find the perfect system for your needs.

One option that is well worth your consideration is the reverse osmosis system. Simple in concept, reverse osmosis systems are among the most effective of all water treatment systems. Read on, and let us know if you think that an RO system in Sarasota, FL is the right fit for your home.

How Does the RO Process Clean Water?

When we say that reverse osmosis systems are simple in design, we mean it. Basically, such systems consist of a semi-permeable membrane, along with various pre-filters depending upon design. This semi-permeable membrane effectively filters many pollutants out of the water, including:

• Fluoride
• Lead
• Chlorine & Chlormamine
• Pesticides
• Detergents
• Nitrates & Sulfates

It is also important to understand that this system requires only the water pressure present in your household already. That is enough to force water through the membrane, allowing for the purification process. This type of system has been in use since the late 70’s, and has only grown more and more common in residential applications.

Other components in the system include a cold water line valve, of course, which allows water to enter the RO system to begin with. The pre-filters will remove sand and other sediments that could damage the RO membrane. A storage tank will hold a few gallons of purified water, which will also pass through post filters to remove anything that has somehow been left behind. Automatic shut-off valves conserve water, and a drain line allows contaminated water to be conveniently drained from the system.

Call Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air today at 941-322-1911 and find out why our customers say, I Love My Plumber!

What Cast Iron Corrosion Means for Your Sarasota Plumbing System

These days, materials such as copper and various plastics are commonly used for residential piping. In years and decades past, though, many materials were used that have fallen out of favor in more modern times. Chief among these materials is cast iron.

Now, cast iron certainly has its uses. However, it’s time as a go-to for Sarasota plumbing applications has come and gone. This is due largely to its susceptibility to corrosion. We have fairly corrosive water in our area anyway, so cast iron pipes can be of particular concern. Here are some tips for determining if your plumbing in Sarasota, FL is at risk due to cast iron corrosion.

Cast iron used to be used in a number of applications, including both for main water lines as well as for sewer lines. While rust and corrosion may certainly develop on any pipe, sewer lines do tend to suffer from the issue more frequently due to the nature of the waste flowing through them, as opposed to that of the water coming in through your main water line. It is important to note, though, that every little sign of rust is not an indicator that your pipe is about to burst.

Some external rust is quite common on these cast iron pipes. If the rusted area is not deeply pitted, it is likely — not certain, mind you — that your pipe is still okay. This is due to the fact that pipes generally fail due to corrosion beginning from within, not on their outer surfaces.

A visible crack in the pipe, though, should definitely raise a red flag. Even if it is a tiny crack, with only a little evidence of corrosion around it, you should be dialing for our Sarasota plumbing experts. Keep in mind that you are only going to be able to see a small section of these pipes, if anything at all. The crack you see may look “minor,” but those that you cannot see may be more serious.

Another situation in which to take corrosion very seriously is if you have corroded bumps on the underside of the pipe. This indicates that water is making its way through a leak, and that the pipe is essentially resealing the hole as the iron rusts and expands. These blobs of rust are a sure sign that you pipe is in trouble.

When you need a reliable Sarasota plumber, call Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air instead at 941-322-1911 and find out why our customers say, I Love My Plumber!

What Are Copper Pinhole Leaks?

For a long time, materials such as cast iron and galvanized steel were common in pipes and plumbing systems. These days, such materials are looked upon as being rather outdated. Alternatives, such as various polymers and plastics are far preferred. So too are copper pipes. Despite their great reputation, though, you’d be mistaken in believing that copper pipes are problem free, let alone that they’ll last forever.

Copper pinhole leaks are a relatively common issue, and can cause a whole lot of trouble for homeowners. Fortunately for you, our exceptional plumbers are never more than a phone call away. If you encounter any plumbing problems, such as these leaks, you can count on us for great plumbing repairs in Bradenton, FL.

Copper Pinhole Leaks Are Serious Business

Copper pipes did not just stumble into the level of use that they enjoy today. They are famed for their long lifespan, for their ease of use/fitting/cutting, and their resistance to corrosion. However, due to changes in water chemistry in certain areas, copper pipes may sometimes suffer from copper pinhole leaks. These are leaks that basically work from the inside of a pipe outwards. Pitting corrosion develops on the interior wall of the pipe, with a pinhole leak being the final outcome. Of course, because the issue develops within the pipe, it can be tough to spot before leaks begin.

These leaks may not result in a flooded basement, of course, as they are rather small. They can easily go unnoticed over time, though, and before long they can do serious damage to your home, including walls, floors, ceilings, electrical system, etc. It can also result in mold growth, especially in our climate. Depending upon the chemistry and quality of your water, using a water treatment system may be able to reduce the risk of encountering such problems on your property. Contact us to have your copper pinhole leaks repaired, and to discuss further preventative options.

Call Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air today at 941-322-1911 and find out why our customers say, I Love My Plumber!

3 Potential Causes of Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure may not strike many homeowners as being a serious emergency, but it can actually be indicative of some pretty big problems with one’s plumbing system in Sarasota, FL. Plus, there are few things quite as aggravating as struggling to get the shampoo out of your hair as water trickles down upon it. If you have low water pressure in your home, we can help!

When you work with us, you’re working with some of the finest plumbers in the industry. Whatever the problem may be, we’ll diagnose it accurately and resolve it entirely. Call today if the water pressure in your home has fallen.

Sediment/Mineral Buildup

When there is a lot of sediment built up in your pipes, the area through which water can travel is restricted. The same thing happens when pipes narrow as limescale and other minerals build up within, potentially due to having hard water in your home. This can result in low water pressure at the fixtures and appliances that you use, as well as high/unbalanced pressure throughout other points of the system. Having the affected pipes cleaned and/or using a water softener may be advisable.

Corroded/Leaking Pipes

If your pipes are heavily corroded, the flaking material within the pipe could block it up as well. Not to mention, that corrosion can eventually lead to leaks, as can many other problems with your plumbing system. If your pipes are leaking enough, you not only risk serious water damage to your home; you may also encounter low water pressure. There could even be a leak in the main water line.

Municipal Supply Problems

There is a bit of good news to consider, as well. The issue leading to your low water pressure may be related to the municipal supply itself. If you don’t think that there is anything wrong with your home plumbing system, but you experience a sudden drop in water pressure, you may want to check with the municipality for help in determining if there is an issue.

Call Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air today at 941-322-1911, and find out why our customers say, I Love My Plumber!